THE next winner of the X Factor could come from Halton.

Auditions are being held in Albert Square, Widnes on Monday, April 28, from 10am to 3pm.

Anyone in full-time education can come along from 3pm to 4.30pm.

An empty shop, unit 15, will be converted into a mobile stage.

Retailers hope the show will attract people from miles around.

Wesley Rourke, Halton Council's operational director for enterpise, said: "We hope this event brings a lot of extra visitors.

"Widnes has a great retail offer with everything from the niche stalls on the market through to the high street names.

"It’s a great place to meet up with friends, do some shopping or even stop for lunch and we hope that anyone visiting the town centre for this event will return in the future.”

Contestants can just turn up. They will be seen on a first come, first served basis.

If you impress the team with your performance, you’ll be in with a chance to audition in front of the judges in the summer.

Albert Square centre manager Kyla Ankers, said: "If you’ve ever wanted to audition for The X Factor, now is the time to do it. “Whether you’ve never auditioned, auditioned before but not got a break, or if you’ve already got a manager, come along.”